Pañcika was often represented holding a lance and a bag of jewels (or money), together with Hariti, in the Greco-Buddhist art of Gandhara,[1] where they illustrated marital love following the intervention of the Buddha. The two figures "were very popular in Gandhara in the latter part of the second century, and their statues are many."[2] When depicted holding a spear, he also signals his role as the chief of the Yakṣas.

The Yakṣas are commanded by 28 generals, of whom the chief is Pañcika — according to the Mahavamsa, he was the father of the 500 sons of Hariti [Kishimojin]. Possibly worshipped very early in Gandhara (some of his representations are found in other areas too where Gandharan influence is said to have spread. This general of the Yakṣas was soon merged with Vaiśravaṇa.[3]

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